Brandie Wilkerson receives the 2018 Tom Ng Award

Brandie Wilkerson, who is currently ranked number one in the FIVB beach volleyball rankings with partner Heather Bansley, was recently recognized by Volleyball Canada with the Tom Ng Award for Excellence.

The honour is an annual beach volleyball award named after its creator Tom Ng, which is an endowment through the Canadian Olympic Foundation‎.

Brandie Wilkerson had a huge breakthrough year on the FIVB World Tour in 2018. Brandie and Heather won six FIVB medals in 2018. In addition, Brandie was named the best blocker on the World Tour in 2018 by the FIVB – her first-ever FIVB individual award.

"I am so very honoured to have been selected for this award," said Wilkerson. "When I think of what the Tom Ng award represents, which is excellence and inspiration, I immediately think of all of the individuals that have been foundational to my volleyball journey and inspirational in their field including my IST (integrated support team) staff, the beach VC team, fellow athletes and competitors, but especially my coach Lennard Krapp and teammate Heather Bansley. They are undoubtedly integral components of the team’s success but have also been my mentors and unwavering supporters of my personal growth and success. I’m proud to simply be the face of all the hard work that has been executed all year by our team. Receiving this award has been a reflection of the dedication I have to our team and our pursuit of excellence in our sport."

Wilkerson is based in Toronto and in the past played indoor volleyball with York University, and has been playing on the World Tour since 2013 (with other partners including currently national team member, Julie Gordon). She began playing with Bansley in 2017.